Discussion Forum

Greetings everyone! Let me preface this by making it clear that I'm not Native American. I am an Indian, from India. And no, that's not 'East Indian', it's just Indian, the ignorance of a certain…Continue

I am struggling with an issue that others may have dealt with. I have posted this in other forum but wanted to cover any areas that may be related. I apologize if you read this on another page. I'm…Continue

The last time this group leader was around was Aug.2011. Considering how very little activity this group has, your idea is a good one. Unfortunately, it's hard to find a term which works in all countries! In Canada we have "First Nations" and, separately, "Inuit"; neither likes being lumped with the other, but most non-status people tend to use "First Nation" in an inclusive manner.

There are still tribes outside of the US. By blood, I am a Saami and was raised from the Saami tribe in Finland. Ever since I was 3, I came to the US. This page should be changed to Indigenous People besides that I am Indigenous, but not a Native American.

I haven't read much on this blog yet, but this article certainly has a slant that I think it particularly relevant. The pretentiousness that religious institutions were guilty of in implementing the residential school system is one of the biggest disgraces religious people have ever committed, both in Australia and here in Canada.

I'm a newly minted Agnostic-Atheist, and as far as I know I have no Native American blood, although my direct ancestors (thoroughly documented by my genealogist mother) have been in the US since the 1600. However, that's of no concern to me, I'm born of star stuff. My reason for finding this group (I googled "Native American Atheists") is to honor my friend PT Quinn, who died yesterday.

PT was Native American, raised in the north woods of Michigan and was an Atheist. Before I let go of my belief in non-existent beings (I practiced Shamanism and believed in reincarnation), we engaged in spirited debates. I didn't get around to letting him know that I had become an Atheist. I did just leave a message on his voice mail a while ago, for all the good that'll do him; it did help me.

PT lived the Rock 'n Roll lifestyle, a hard-drinking, drug-using life which led to the diabetes that eventually ended his life. He was a musician, writer, promoter, producer, photographer. He traveled around the country in the rock and blues circuits; here's a tribute that he put together after the legendary Little Milton died:

PT was in is mid to late '50s, a youngster. He was a cherished member of the Ann Arbor music scene, often writing music reviews in The Current, when it was still a relevant publication. He hosted a live music Internet radio show, live music on Ann Arbor's CTN cable access channel and interviewed many legends of rock and blues over the years.

So long PT, and thanks for all that you did in helping me promote my music.

PT took this photo of me; I can still hear his coaxing, "C'mom Mickey, ham it up!

In 1863 my 6 to 8 year old grand father, who was a captive of the Utes in Colorado, was given to missionaries when the US made a treaty with the Utes. The missionaries named him William Armstrong because of his red hair and because he no longer knew his birth name. He was taken back to Michigan but when he was old enough he headed back to the west and married my great grand mother, a full blooded Black Foot medicine woman. Strangely, I am a social nihilist, I cannot be part of the herd things people do, like going to a sports event and cheering for a team. But when I go to pow wows I feel torn because I want to belong but I can't. Got blond hair. One of the most strange things that ever happened to me, I have a CD of Native songs. The night I got it, I put it on as I was going to sleep. I have a severe sleep disorder which could explain it, but as I went to sleep I was listening to this song that totally moved me. I got up the next day and could NOT get it out of my head. When I got home that evening I went through the CD over and over. The song wasn't on it. That was over 10 years ago and I still hear it when I need it. I have never told anyone that I know that because for some reason it seems that the song is only for me.

@ Blade of the Bunny, that is one of the reasons that I started this group. I have met many other NDNs that are atheists but many are reluctant to be open about it. I have Cherokee and Fox in my blood and it is always nice to meet others NDNs who are atheists as well. It is also nice to meet those who love NDNs(hope ya don't mind if I use that). I am happy to see that this group is growing.